CPAP Routine

[spunkygirl1983]

I've lurked on this site for years and I'm very thankful for all that I've learned. I've recently been diagnosed with ADHD which explains a lot of my life. I've been setting up reminders in my Google Calendar to help create routines. The next routine that I want to work on is using my CPAP daily and keep the equipment cleaned. I have an AirSense 10 AutoSet and I use an AirFit P10.

Is there any particular app you use for reminders for your CPAP as I haven't found a dedicated app for CPAP reminders?

What is everyone's routine on cleaning and replacing equipment? Yes, I know everyone is different but I'm trying to get an idea of how to set up the reminders on phone.

Any ideas and suggestions are welcome!

[ups4]

I've never heard of an app to help with a CPAP routine, but there may be something out there.

As far as my routine, I really have no set routine. I try to remember to wipe my mask cushions daily with an unscented wipe...just to remove the oils and such. I top off my humidifier reservoir about every 3 days or so when it needs more distilled water. I will try to remember to wipe out the reservoir with a disinfectant wipe when the water level gets low and needs a refill, but most times it doesn't happen. About every couple of months or so I might do a thorough cleaning of the humidifier reservoir and mask cushions with soap and water. I have two hoses so when I do clean one of them in the shower with soapy hot water...about every 6 months or so....I hang it to dry and use the spare. Do replace your filters at whatever frequency your CPAP machine manufacture suggests. They are cheap and easy to replace.

I've been following this "non-routine" routine for many years without a problem. I understand the need to set up and follow a specific routine due to having ADHD. My son suffers from it and needs lists, and reminders all the time. The only thing I can think of to help with the cleaning aspect is just to set a reminder on your phone at specific times for tasks.

As far as replacing equipment goes, I've never replaced my humidifier reservoir or hose since the beginning. My N30i mask frame and straps are beginning to show signs of stretching, so I may replace them soon. My mask cushions, however, get replaced about every 6 months or when they show signs of not sealing properly any longer. There is a schedule for replacing PAP equipment that Medicare published, and many people follow that.

Table 1: DME MACs’ Determination of Reasonable and Necessary
Replacement of CPAP Supplies
HCPCS
Code Description Frequency
A4604 CPAP Tubing With Heating Element 1 per 3 months
A7027 Combination Oral/Nasal CPAP Mask 1 per 3 months
A7028 Replacement Oral Cushion for Oral/Nasal Mask 2 per 1 month
A7029 Replacement Nasal Pillows for Oral/Nasal Mask, One Pair 2 per 1 month
A7030 Full Face Mask 1 per 3 months
A7031 Full Face Mask Interface 1 per 1 month
A7032 Cushion for Nasal Mask Interface 2 per 1 month
A7033 Nasal Pillows 2 per 1 month
A7034 Nasal Interface 1 per 3 months
A7035 Headgear 1 per 6 months
A7036 Chinstrap 1 per 6 months
A7037 Tubing 1 per 3 months
A7038 Disposable Filter 2 per 1 month
A7039 Nondisposable Filter 1 per 6 months
A7046 Humidifier Water Chamber 1 per 6 months

[YipeekiOH]

I don’t believe you need anything special other than your Google Calendar with reminders set when it is time. I have mine set to 15 minutes before I am due to do the task. Good luck!!

[ups4]

I forgot to add in my original post.

DO NOT fall for the scare tactic scam of using any of these so-called "cleaning machines", like SoClean. They are completely unnecessary and are not approved by the FDA or any CPAP manufacturer. It may be tempting to think you just throw your equipment into some chamber and out it comes all sparkling clean. It doesn't work that way. There's no evidence that these devices sanitize or clean anything but your wallet.

[chunkyfrog]

There is no need for a "routine", unless you have an immunity problem.
Most of us clean when we see dirt or smell funk.
We replace parts when they break or wear until they are not fully effective.
Know your equipment, observe condition, and act accordingly.
It's not a full-time job, nor does it need to be.

[Okie bipap]

When I first started treatment, I was very diligent about cleaning everything every week and changed equipment when it was "recommended". Now, I try to clean the masks and water chambers every week or two. I try to pick a day I can hang them out on our covered patio to dry. The other things never get cleaned. I change the filters every two or three months, depending on how dirty they look. I try to remember to check them the first week of every month. We (my wife also uses a machine) change things when they are no longer usable. We used the last mask cushions for over a year before we finally broke down and changed them.

[clownbell]

One of the (few!) benefits of being old is that you can let Medicare pay for 80% of your PAP supplies, which enables you to change mask cushions frequently -- thus preventing/minimizing leaks. Otherwise, old age ain't for sissies -- as Bette Davis famously said.

[Leaphorn]

i try to follow this cleaning routine using soapy water:

daily - humidifier reservoir
daily - nose pillow
weekly - hoses
weekly - nose pillow assembly head strap ( cleaning keeps it from over stretching )

also try to hand rinse / wash the chin strap and my sleep mask.

[chunkyfrog]

i try to follow this cleaning routine using soapy water:

daily - humidifier reservoir
daily - nose pillow
weekly - hoses
weekly - nose pillow assembly head strap ( cleaning keeps it from over stretching )

also try to hand rinse / wash the chin strap and my sleep mask.

This sounds like me the first couple of months.
Then I realized that excessive handling/washing shortened the life of parts.
No wonder the manufacturers want you to become OCD.
PROFIT.

[Leaphorn]

and change your air filter about every 6 months.

[Sheriff Buford]

i try to follow this cleaning routine using soapy water:

daily - humidifier reservoir
daily - nose pillow
weekly - hoses
weekly - nose pillow assembly head strap ( cleaning keeps it from over stretching )

also try to hand rinse / wash the chin strap and my sleep mask.

wow, you clean your hose and head strap?

Sheriff

[palerider]

One of the (few!) benefits of being old is that you can let Medicare pay for 80% of your PAP supplies, which enables you to change mask cushions frequently

throwing away perfectly good ones, but hey, you ARE helping your DME make more profits.

[Ikon]

If you have the ADHD going on, I would suggest considering getting a Hurricane Dryer.

This will allow you to identify the time of the week that is best for a weekly cleaning - even if it's shortly before your bedtime.

Set aside 30 minutes for a vinegar soak - or whatever cleaning routine you want - and then immediately through them into the hurricane dryer.

Not sure about you guys, but most weeks the forgetfulness does not come from starting a vinegar bath - but from taking it out because I get pre-occupied.

I set a calendar for my cleaning schedule - but I think a Hurricane Dryer would make this schedule much easier.

[LSAT]

i try to follow this cleaning routine using soapy water:

daily - humidifier reservoir
daily - nose pillow
weekly - hoses
weekly - nose pillow assembly head strap ( cleaning keeps it from over stretching )

also try to hand rinse / wash the chin strap and my sleep mask.

Here's my routine: It's worked for many years

Wipe Mask Cushion with a baby wipe...Nightly
Wash mask.....Occasionally (4-6 weeks)
Wash hose.....Never
Wash water tub...Never